RB Leipzig and Manchester City are set to engage in a high-stakes transfer battle as they negotiate a fee for Croatian international Josko Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old defender has been the subject of Premier League interest since last summer, despite Leipzig securing a contract renewal with the promising talent. However, recent developments suggest that Leipzig might be open to a sale if their demands are met.
Speculations surrounding the transfer fee have been rampant, and it appears that Leipzig is standing firm on their valuation of £86 million.
If the deal goes through, Gvardiol would become the most expensive defender in football history, reflecting the growing premium on top-tier defensive talents.
Reports earlier indicated that Manchester City was prepared to meet Leipzig’s asking price, raising hopes of a potential transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
However, negotiations have hit a snag as Leipzig is yet to accept City’s proposal, leaving Gvardiol in limbo as he prepares for the upcoming season with his current club.
The Daily Mail reports that RB Leipzig is keen to have their squad settled by no later than August 12. While they are under no pressure to sell Gvardiol, they are considering the possibility of a replacement should a deal be reached with Manchester City.
The German club’s head coach, Marco Rose, has been active in the transfer market, but defensive additions remain limited with 18-year-old El Chadaille Bitshiabu being their only recruit from Paris Saint-Germain.
If the transfer materializes, Gvardiol is expected to fill a crucial role in Manchester City’s defense. The club is reportedly eyeing an upgrade in the left-sided center-back and left-back positions, and Gvardiol’s arrival could lead to the potential departure of Aymeric Laporte.
With a contract at Leipzig until 2027, the Croatian prodigy’s future remains uncertain as the transfer window inches closer to its climax.
Josko Gvardiol has proven his worth during his time at RB Leipzig, making a total of 87 appearances and contributing to the club’s success with two DFB-Pokal trophies since 2021.